... How old is the LW barrel? I ask because the XDm has pretty good case support and later LW barrels don't have the support they used to have. ...

Quote:

Originally Posted by deadandgone

Also, the barrel is fine...no signs of cracking or damage, a lot of soot but nothing else.

If I understand correctly, an insufficiently-supported chamber won't necessarily damage the barrel as much as it will allow the explosive gases to explode through the back of the case doing pretty much what happened to you. Not blaming the barrel, but a fully supported chamber might provide better protection against this. But the main culprit may be super-hot loads that are not really thought through and tested properly. I am happy that you are well. I would put the rest of that SW ammo in the trash and try to live a long life.